by Nathan Exelby
Racing Editor, Brisbane Courier Mail
Former top local sports administrator Bill Oliver is being remembered as a man ahead of his time who fought passionately for the success of his constituents during the halcyon days of South Burnett sport.
Bill died in Kingaroy on Thursday, just nine days short of his 84th birthday. He underwent cancer-related surgery two years ago and had battled ill health for some time.
Bill and his wife Roma raised their family in the South and Central Burnett districts, during which time he played a very active role in local sport.
He managed rugby league teams for the South Burnett and Wide Bay, both of which he was later made a life member, and in the 1970s was also afforded the honour of managing the QRL team in the pre-State of Origin days.
Bill also had a lifetime passion for horse racing and called races at venues cuh as Nanango, Kumbia, Wondai and Gayndah through the 1970s and 1980s.
He preceded southburnett.com.au contributor Ross Stanley in the caller’s box, and wrote the Turf Topics column for the South Burnett Times for many years.
Bill also raced a number of horses, most with former South Burnett Regional Councillor Barry Green with whom he also shared a broadcast box when local rugby league was beamed onto live radio.
Brisbane Broncos chairman Dennis Watt, who started both his rugby league and journalism career in the South Burnett, remembered Bill Oliver as a man who fought doggedly for players in the area to be chosen for higher honours.
“He was an architect and driver of rugby league during the halcyon days of the game in the region,” Watt said.
“During one period the South Burnett had five players in the Queensland side over a couple of years.
“Bill was a passionate advocate for local players. He really was an administrator ahead of his time.”
Liam Duggan was one of those South Burnett players who represented Queensland at that time.
“It was a pleasure to play in any side that Bill had anything to do with,” Duggan said.
“He went out of his way to look after the players and for that era, his organisational skills were superb.”
Bill Oliver retired from the Department of Primary Industries in 1988 and started semi-retirement on the Sunshine Coast, where he developed a fearsome reputation as an astute punter, before returning to the South Burnett in 1991, living in both Wondai and Kingaroy.
Bill maintained his lifetime passion for racing to the end.
Even in his final days, he sent a request for the racing bible – The Sportsman – to be delivered so he could attempt to peruse the form.
One of his last treasured gifts was a cap from the great race mare Winx, which he wore day and night.
Bill Oliver is survived by his wife Roma, daughters Patty, Wendy and Jackie, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
His funeral will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Kingaroy on Friday, October 14, from 11:00am.
Footnote: Nathan Exelby is Bill Oliver’s grandson.
RIP Bill! I knew Bill Oliver for 45 years give or take a few. Initially when visiting his & Roma’s home in Wondai to have a sleepover with my school friend Patty (aka Patsy). I later worked with the lovely Roma at S Aubyn’s Hospital & of course she was still Mrs Oliver to me. I really got to know Bill through his work at St Mary’s in Kingaroy… a very talented rose gardener, Bill volunteered to look after St Mary’s rose bed & for that I will be forever grateful. We had lots of lovely conversations over about 7 or 8 years and Bill was always a very humble man. I put a thank you notice in the parish newsletter singing Bill’s praises and he told me there was no need for that – so that was the one & only time I ever did it. You will be sorely missed Bill. xx
I had the pleasure of working with Bill, and to share his passions for horse racing and Rugby League for a short while. I always held him in the highest regard as a man, as a fellow worker, and as a trusted and loyal friend. I will never forget the hours we spent collecting racing results and statistics from past newspapers in order to devise a system to beat the bookies. Inevitably that proved fruitless in the end. But like Don Quixote Bill pushed on to the next “windmill”. There was always another challenge, another day at the races for the “battle” to resume. Bill’s extraordinary skills were many, but perhaps his greatest asset was his empathy as a human being. As his friend he drew me into a world of fairness, compassion and humility, all with a subtle and wicked sense of humour. He made me feel special and I will never forget him. Bill was a very , very special person. Rest in Peace, mate. My heartfelt sympathy and regards to Roma and to all of Bill’s family!